Cover image via Lonely Planet
1. Langkawi
**Langkawi** goes into mid-season during April, meaning that you'll still get plenty of sun at a slightly lower temperature than during the peak season from January to March.
There may be light showers, but these are short-lived and usually occur during the later half of the day. The island is not as crowded as the previous months and room rates are cheaper.
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2. Kota Kinabalu
If you want to conquer Mount Kinabalu this year, you better do it before April ends as it's the last month before the monsoon season starts.
Besides hiking, you can check out the beach at Tanjung Aru or **Kota Kinabalu**'s night food market.
Image via The Kel Logs
3. Danang, Vietnam
If you haven't been to **Danang**, this is the best time to visit. The temperature at the beach town starts to rise in May, so April is still warm and breezy. It's also not too crowded as peak season only starts in June.
After you've enjoyed the beach, you can tour the ancient town of Hoi An or the historical site of Hue.
1 May: Labour Day
1. Malacca
As the wet season approaches, the weather in **Malacca** is more pleasant than previous months. There won't be much rain as well, so you can spend most of your time outdoors visiting its historic sites.
There are also many new cafés on Jonker Street for café-hoppers to visit!
2. Tioman
The average temperature in **Tioman** is about 28°C, perfect weather for swimming and other beach activities. You can also visit the Juara Turtle Hatchery to learn more about turtles!
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3. Sapa, Vietnam
Vietnam's hill top retreat, **Sapa**, is best visited during May as rain is scarce and it's not too cold. You'll be able to hike the highest mountain in Indochina and enjoy a clear view of the terraced rice fields.
As May is spring in Sapa, you'll have the chance to see flowers in full bloom around the town.
12 June: Nuzul Al-Quran
1. Redang
The monsoon season is over, it's time to pack your bags for a beach holiday in **Redang**! The clear waters during this month makes it great for anyone who wants to do some snorkelling or scuba diving.
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2. Miri
This is the time to explore Sarawak's famous World Heritage sites in **Miri**: Gunung Mulu and Niah Caves. The sunny weather during June is great for outdoor activities.
Don't forget to get some Sarawak Laksa and layer cake while you're there!
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3. Bangkok, Thailand
Visiting **Bangkok** during off-peak season is great if you don't mind the rain. June is ideal for shopping and visiting all the posh cafés in Thonglor and Ekkamai area as the city won't be so crowded during this time.
Flights and hotel rates are also much cheaper during June.
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25-26 June: Hari Raya Puasa
1. Genting Highlands
**Genting Highlands** is a great place to go to escape the heat in the cities. June is ideal as it doesn't rain much during this time of the year.
With the opening of world famous restaurants in SkyAvenue, Genting is now every food lover's paradise.
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2. Kuching
You'll see clear blue skies in **Kuching** in late June, great for sightseeing around the city.
Head over to the Sarawak Cultural Village to learn about the different ethnic groups and visit orangutans at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre!
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3. Goa, India
**Goa** is known for its beaches and majestic Portuguese architecture. Though it's monsoon season in June, you'll still be able to enjoy enough sunshine in a day to visit the temples, forts, and churches.
Visit on 24 June and you'll be able to see how Goans celebrate the Sao Joao Festival. Local youths jump into wells to celebrate the feast day and there'll be plenty of fruits to enjoy.
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31 August: National Day
1 September: Hari Raya Haji
1. Taman Negara Kuala Tahan
**Taman Negara Kuala Tahan** is a must-go for every Malaysian. It has one of the world's oldest rainforests, where you can trek and even stay there if you want to.
Some activities you can try out: rapid shooting on a boat, night jungle walk, animal observation, and cave exploration.
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2. Sungai Lembing
Before the monsoon ends, pay a visit to the famous Rainbow Waterfall at **Sungai Lembing**.
Swim in the pool area, climb Panorama Hill to see the sunset, and try the famous Sungai Lembing noodles. That's the perfect weekend.
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3. Sri Lanka
The weather in **Sri Lanka** during this period is pleasant, with short showers in between so it doesn't feel too hot.
Places of interest: the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, the Dambulla cave temple, Pinnawala Elephant Sanctuary, and Galle.
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22 September: Awal Muharram
1. Pangkor
**Pangkor** is beautiful during September. There may be odd showers but they're mostly short-lived.
Soak up some vitamin 'sea' while you're there. If that's too much, you can explore the Dutch Fort and the mysterious Sacred Rock nearby.
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2. Fraser's Hill
Book a stay in **Fraser's Hill** before the wet season starts in October.
Hotel rates are relatively cheaper as it's still low season. You can do some jungle trekking there, or just sit back and relax at the hill top retreat.
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3. Kerala, India
The wet season just ended, so the weather isn't too warm yet.
**Kerala** is famous for its backwaters, a chain of beautiful lagoons and lakes located near the coast. If you really don't like the heat, you can tour Munnar or Nelliampathi, Kerala's hill stations.
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19 October: Deepavali
1. Maliau Basin
Heard of the **Maliau Basin** in Tawau? It's called Sabah's 'Lost World' as most parts of it are still unexplored.
The only way into this catchment is through the Maliau River. Once inside, you'll be able to swim near waterfalls and trek in the untouched rainforest.
Image via Pan Borneo / Pinterest
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2. Ipoh
If it's been a while since you last visited **Ipoh**, perhaps it's time to make that drive to the Asian town that's in Lonely Planet's top 10.
The Old Town is always a nice place to explore. You never know what new cafés and eateries you'll stumble upon.
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3. Luang Prabang, Laos
Visit **Luang Prabang** in October and you might just be able to catch the Boun Suang Heua, the boat racing festival.
Besides that, there won't be too many tourists during October as it's still low season. There may be odd showers but the weather is beginning to be sunny enough for trekking and sightseeing. Hotel rates are still low too!
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1 December: Maulidur Rasul
1. Penang
How about a *makan* trip to **Penang** in December?
Penang food is so good that the former editor of Saveur magazine called it "[the most important food destination on the planet](http://www.themalaymailonline.com/eat-drink/article/james-oseland-calls-malaysia-the-most-important-food-destination-on-the-pla)". It has everything from your favourite local hawker fare to rustic hidden cafés – it's gonna be a really *ful*filling weekend.
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2. Bohol, Philippines
Boracay and Cebu are so yesterday – it's time you pack your bags and explore **Bohol** island.
Bohol is great for adventurous travellers who love diving, extreme sports, and trekking. Enjoy beach life on Alona Beach, cycle on a zip-line in Chocolate Hills, and visit some cute tarsiers at the conservation area.
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3. Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Cambodia is not only known for its magnificent ancient temples – their beaches and islands are really beautiful too!
The sunny season in **Sihanoukville** is a great place for beach lovers. The water is crystal clear and accommodation is not too expensive. If you want a quieter place to chill, take a ferry to the island of Koh Rong Sanloem!
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25 December: Christmas
1. Cameron Highlands
It might not snow here during Christmas, but at least the weather is cooling enough on **Cameron Highlands** to make it feel like you're spending the Yuletide season overseas.
Book a stay in a cottage-like Airbnb, have some scones from The Lord's Café with some freshly picked strawberries, and end the night with a hot pot. Best. Christmas. Ever.
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2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
**Chiang Mai** is usually cooling during December as it's situated in the north. Don't worry if you're not a fan of the cold, there's still plenty of sunshine for you to enjoy during the day.
You can visit the many beautiful temples in the province, or go for a rainforest adventure.
Image via TripAdvisor
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3. Bagan, Myanmar
If you think the Angkorian ruins in Siem Reap were impressive, then you'll have to check out those in **Bagan**.
There are so many temple ruins in Bagan that there might actually be one just next to your hotel. The best way to explore the place is to rent a scooter, get a temple map, and ride away into the sunset. Do bring a sweater along as the December weather can get quite cold.
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